Maureen M. Bannon: Presently, the Marketing Liaison at the Parmenter V.N.A. and Community Care and Wayside Hospice since April, 2001; prior to that, from 1998 to 2001, was the Medical Case Manager at Metro West Medical Center; and, from 1985 to 1998, the Director of Nursing at Emerson Hospice.

William F. Burt: A native of Newton, MA, graduated from Tufts Engineering School in 1946 with a B.S. in Elec-trical Engineering, having attended college on the Navy V-12 program during W.W.II.  After 18 months on active duty on the West coast, started working for New England Gas and Electric Sys-tem as a Junior Engineer.  After holding a number of positions, including Chief Electrical Engin-eer and VP of Operations, retired in 1989 as Assistant to the CEO from the same company, then called Commonwealth Energy System, after 42 years of service.  During those years, was active in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 20 years as Lieutenant Commander. Had been active in the Cambridge Chapter of the American Red Cross, serving as its Chairman from 1971 to 1973.  Was chairman of the Lincoln Cub Pack Committee and Boy Scout Troop Committee.  As one of the 67 founding members of the Lexington United Methodist Church, served at different times as its Receiving Treasurer, Lay Leader, and Chairman of the Building Committee. Has been active in the Weston United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  Married Donna Grunden in 1950; have three children and five grandchildren.  Lived first in Lexington for 6 years, then the last 46 years in Lincoln. Has been a member of the Deaconess Board of Directors since 1996 and its Clerk since 2001.

Robert S. Cummings, Assistant Treasurer: Harvard University, LL.B., Brown University/ Tufts University, A.B.; Managing Partner of Nixon & Peabody and as Chairman of the firm’s Executive Committee; served in the United States Army Counterintelligence Corps; former Chairman of the Reading Board of Selectmen and currently a Chairman of the Reading Commissioners of Trusts’ Funds; former Chairman and currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Hallmark Healthcare; a former member of Edison Electric Institute Legal Committee; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Director and Treasurer of the World Society for the Protection of Animals; and, Secretary and member of the Board of Directors of Massbank.

Mary Fraser: Professional Experience:  20 years in the Human Resources field in educational publishing envi-ronment at Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston,  and DC Heath and Company, Lexington, MA (work experience included all aspects of human resources administration); Office Administrator, Board of Church and Society,  Human Relations and Economic Affairs,  United Methodist Church, Washington, DC; and Secretary, Lexington United Methodist Church, Lexington, MA. Volunteer Activities:  Lexington United Methodist Church Committees and District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Boston-Metro West District, New England Conference, United Methodist Church. B.S. Degree in Sociology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia; Additional course work and seminars in human resources, Bentley College, Waltham, MA; married, retired.

Donna Grinnell: Born in Worcester, graduated from Colby Junior College (now Colby Sawyer College) and Wheelock College; an elementary school teacher for seven years before her two children were born.  Donna and her husband Ken, a Boston attorney, have lived in Acton for the past 33 years.  During this time, divided her volunteer time between the Acton schools, Saint Matthews United Methodist Church, and Emerson Hospital. The past President of the Emerson Hospital Auxiliary and served two years on the board of the Mass Hospital Association as state volunteer chairman. At Saint Matthews has been a member of the Chancel Choir for 28 years and has served on vari-ous committees, including the recent building committee.  From 1994 to 2001, was the Assistant Director of Community Services at Emerson Hospital, responsible for the scheduling and train-ing of over 500 adult and student volunteers.  Since retiring from her Emerson position, has made a four-year commitment as an associate at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as volunteering at Emerson and her church.  Is very excited about her new board position at Deaconess and looks forward to its many challenges.

George K. Haller: Born in Leominster, MA; grew up in West Boylston, MA; graduate of Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1953; married to Virginia for 44 years and have three children and seven grand-children; and, worked for the Commonwealth of Mass. Department of Mental Health for 38 years in various positions, including Head Farmer, Facility Director, and Fiscal Director.  In retirement, is a self-employed painter and carpenter, and hobbies include fishing, gardening, and garden railroading.

Oscar W. Harrell, II, Ph.D.: Born in Bristol, VA-TN, graduated from Virginia Union University with an A.B. in Social Science, married Sophia B. Harrell in Winston-Salem, NC, drafted into the U.S. Army for two years (19 months in Fort Bragg, NC as an E-5 in Military Intelligence).  After discharge, served for a year and a half as Head Counselor at the Leonard Training School for the North Carolina Department of Corrections.  Sophia and Oscar with two infant sons moved to Cambridge, MA to attend graduate school.  Most of our adult lives have been spent as residents of Massachusetts.  During this time, I have attended graduate schools, worked, shared in the growth and develop-ment of our sons, been a devoted member of United Methodist churches and contributed my time, efforts and resources to many non-profit agencies. Education: Brandeis University, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Ph.D., University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Post Graduate study in education, Assumption College, M.A., C.A.G.S., Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Union University, A.B., Social Science. Previous work experiences:  Higher Education – Administration/Faculty (Assumption College, Tufts University and Fitchburg State College), Middle to Executive Management  (Coordinator of Rehabilitation Services, Rutland Heights Hospital, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Mental Retardation, Facilities Management, Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation)  Human Services/ Human Relations Consultant  (Psychiatric Social Worker, Department of Mental Health, Rehabilitation Counselor, Department of Public Health,  Human Relations Consultant  - Boston University School of Theology, Brown University, Connecticut College, Lesley College, Manhattanville College Howard University and many other colleges and universities in New England and nationally. Present:  Private Consulting Consultant.  Human Relations, Policy Analysis, Management, Diversity Training, Lectures and drama presentations, Individual and group counseling, Educational counseling. Past Professional and Community Activities:  Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.  Member of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Equal Education Opportunity for Educationally Disadvantaged Students, National YWCA Racial Justice Committee member, SOAR (Society Organized Against Racism), President of a consortium of 31 colleges and Universities, Treasurer, Greater Boston Interuniversity Council, the Mayor of Gardner’s representative to the Montachusett Opportunity Council, Task Force on Mental Health and Related Services of Massachusetts Mental Hospital Planning Project of United Community Services of Metropolitan Boston and Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, 1973 (this group was responsible for facilitating the deinstitutionalization of state hospitals in Massachusetts), Massachusetts Association of Mental Health , Vice President, Board of Directors,  Community Change Inc., Cast member of Play, “The Man Nobody Saw," Governor’s Advisory Board for Corrections, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, member, 1979-1982, President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Gardner Lions Club International, Zone Chairman, Lions Club International, District 33A, Board Member of the Montachusett Manpower Department Training Act Consortium, Board member, the Fitchburg-Leominster area United Way, Board Member, Worcester United Way, Chairman and commissioner of Sudbury Park and Recreation, Chairperson, Commission on Religion and Race, Southern New England Annual Conference, member, Conference Finance and Administration Southern New England Annual Conference for two quadrenniums, Adult facilitator for the S.T.O.P. (Students Together Opposing Prejudice). Present:  Member of the New England United Methodist Conference Board of Ordained Minis-try  1995-2004,  Co-Chairperson, Conference Relations for the Board of Ordained Ministry,  Council of Ministries, at-large member, Sudbury United Methodist Church, Conference Lay Leader-elect 2004 New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Member of the Racial Harassment Committee of the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Board Member of the United Methodist Urban services, Inc., Lay Delegate to the 2004 North East Jurisdiction and lay alternate to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, Member of the Sudbury Disability Needs committee, 2000-2004, and various other organizations.

Earl H. Hutt, Chairperson: Life-long resident of the town of Westborough, MA.  B.S. in Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Corporator of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences. Past President and owner of Winchester Drug Company, US Navy Medical Corp - Pharmacist - WWII.  MBA Northeastern University. Massachusetts Notary Republic. Former Positions: Board of Directors and Treasurer of Bay State Abrasive Products Company, Treasurer of Alden Self-Transit Systems Corporation, Board of Directors Integrated Systems Technology, Inc., President and Treasurer of Westborough Realty Corporation, Treasurer of American Society of Insurance Management, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Worcester Area American Heart Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bridge, a halfway home for Boys, Chairman Town of the Westborough  Finance and Advisory Commit-tee, Commissioner of Trust Funds of Town of Westborough, Member of Westborough Area YWCA Advisory Council, Chairman Audit Committee Westborough Financial Services Inc. and Westborough Bank, Member  Board of Directors and Corporator Westborough Bank. Church Member since Confirmation, Church volunteer for 60 years, member of most committees and chaired some in the local United Methodist Church, served on two Church Building Committees: of 1968 and of 2000.  Served 33 years as Lay Member to the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church: President of its Council of Finance and Administration for 10 years, Member of the Board of Trustees, Investment Committee, Rules Committee, Office Building and Sites Committee, Office Building Committee and the Fiscal Review Task Force. I am pleased to be a Member of the Board of Directors of N.E.D.A. Married to Connie since 1951. We reared four children, now have eight grandchildren and enjoy them all.

Robert Johnston, Vice Chairperson: Wentworth Institute and Boston University, Associates’ Degree; served in the U. S. Marine Corps in Iwo Jima; was in the elevator business; active in the Somerville College Avenue United Methodist Church and on its Board; and, active in the Charlton Masonic Home.

Claire Lawton, Clerk: A Concord resident who has been a clinical and administrative nurse since 1961 and has prac-ticed on both the east and west coasts.  Currently Nursing Director of Bullock’s Nursing Service of Concord.  Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from Boston College and is a past member of the Concord Board of Health, past member of the Concord Council on Aging, the Friends of the Acton Nursing Service, and past president of the Walden Unit of the American Cancer Society.  A member of the Board of Directors of the New England Deaconess Association, president of the Board of Directors of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., and a corporator of the Belknap House of Concord.  Claire is a choir member at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in West Concord and serves on its Finance Council, as well as the Social Justice and Action Commission.  She is also a member of Public Ceremonies and Celebrations’ Committee of Concord and a member of the Concord Lyons Club.

Phyllis S. Maurer: Born in Dartmouth, MA; attended Bishop Stang H.S. and American Institute of Banking A.V. P. and Branch Adm. of the Hudson National Bank, retiring in 1975; married to Bruce D. Maurer of Concord--have two girls, ages 25 and 27 (our children are 5th generation Concordians); two grandsons (Anthony and Brandon) ages 2 and 4 mos.; continued working for my husband’s family business, “The Frank Maurer Co., Inc.,” located on the Concord/Sudbury line on Rte. 117. The Maurer Co. has been in business since 1953--does earth moving, development and landscape design and installation. Working with my husband and brother-in-law Jeff in the 1980’s, we branched out and did custom home building, and I have been a realtor in the Concord area since the early 80’s, selling our own real estate as well as other listings; currently employed at the Carlson GMAC Real Estate as a broker and work the wide Metro West area real estate market. I am a member of the Concord Lions Club, President elect of the Rotary Club of Concord, MA, Advisory board member of the Concord Recreation Dept.’s annual Golf Tournament, Past Presi-dent of the Quota Club of Concord (women’s professional organization), and Past President of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board Council.

Rev. Robert A. Moore: A native of Massachusetts and a third generation pastor in the New England Conference. Rev. Moore’s father, Alan Moore, and grandfather on his mother’s side, William Nordos, served with distinction in the Conference. His mother, Ruth Moore, is a Deaconess resident. His grand-mother, Mary Moore, was an original resident of the UM Retirement Center in East Providence. Through this family history, he has a deep connection with and appreciation for the elder ministries of the Conference. With his appointment to St. Matthew’s UMC in Acton, he looks forward to being an active part of the Deaconess Abundant Life Communities. Rev. Moore has served churches in East Greenwich, RI; Saugus, MA; Williamstown, MA; Plymouth, MA; Providence, RI; and, Niantic, CT.   He is a graduate of Boston University School of Theology.

Susan E. Powers R.N.M.S.: Resident of Winchester, Mass., husband, Steve Powers, and have three daughters--two married, and 4 grandchildren; member of the Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church in Winchester where Susan grew up.  Graduated from Winchester High School, received a diploma from Children’s Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, a B.S. from St. Joseph’s College in Maine, and M.S. from U. Mass. Lowell and has worked at Children’s Hospital, Winchester Hospital, Wakefield Regional Vocational School and in a private physicians’ practice.  Presently is the associate director of the Winchester Hospital Community Health Institute which provides health promotion and disease prevention programs as well as an alternative therapy program.  Is presi-dent of Winton Club which is a volunteer service organization that runs the hospital gift shop and donates all fund raising monies to Winchester Hospital.

Herbert Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer: Herb has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bates College (magna cum laude) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.  His business experience is in management consulting where he worked for Arthur D. Little, Inc., in Cambridge, MA.  While at Arthur D. Little, Inc., he became a Senior Consultant involved in strategic planning, organizational development, merger and acquisition advice, and marketing direction for major U.S. and multinational corporations. In 1991, he received his Master’s of Divinity from Boston University (summa cum laude), and became a United Methodist minister.  In his last appointment, he served as the senior pastor of the Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, MA.  This church grew from 135 people on average in worship each Sunday to over 400 during the seven years Rev. Taylor served as its pastor.  In his previous pastoral appointment in Newbury, MA, the church also experienced significant growth in members and programs. Recently, Rev. Taylor chaired the Visioning Task Force for the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church to develop a vision for ministry for its 600 churches and a plan for implementation.  He has also taught Pastoral Leadership at Boston University.  During the last fifteen years, Herb has led mission trips to Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru, Haiti, Kentucky, New York City and Maine.  Herb grew up in Worcester, MA.  He and his wife Sarah, have two sons.

Rev. William A. Campbell

Nancy E. Carr

David S. Chick

Dr. Shephard S. Johnson: A retired United Methodist Pastor who has served churches in Byfield, Saugus, Wakefield, Sudbury, and Weston, Massachusetts, as well as Manchester, Connecticut.  Prior to entering the ministry, was a security analyst and real estate advisor for Connecticut General Insurance Co.  Holds B.A., M.B.A., S.T.M., and Ph.D. degrees.  Also, a retired Navy officer, serving in both the Supply and Chaplain Corps.  He and his wife, Nancy, live on Peaks Island, Maine.

Ernest (Ernie) McKenzie: A 52-year Waltham resident, and community service includes 12 years on the School Commit-tee, membership on the Boards of the Deaconess Abundant Life Communities, the Waltham Y.M.C.A., the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Deaconess-Waltham Hospital Corporation, and on the advisory Boards of the Vocational High School and The Salvation Army.  Also is a longtime member of Waltham Kiwanis, former member of the Board of Beaverbrook Guidance Center and served as coordinator of the Boys & Girls Club Capital Fund Campaign.

William L. Owens

Lester C. Peabody